Five gardening jobs for autumn

Get your garden ready for colder weather with these five simple steps from the Which? experts

1. Tend to the lawn

Autumn is the perfect time to give your lawn a dose of TLC to help it stay healthy over the winter.

Aerating the lawn will help to stop it becoming compacted – an affliction that could leave you with dry, patchy grass that’s more susceptible to disease. It’s heavy work, particularly if you have a large lawn, so consider enlisting the help of a professional gardener.

Which? lawn-care expert Adelaide Gray also suggests applying an autumn lawn treatment. ‘Use a weed and feed, watering in so as not to scorch the grass.

‘It’s also a good idea to move your mower blades up to leave the grass a bit longer, as it won’t grow as fast in autumn and winter.’

2. Prune back trees and shrubs

For pruning larger trees, it’s advisable to use a certified tree surgeon to make sure the job is done effectively and safely, without damaging the tree. If you want to completely remove a tree, check with your local authority to make sure you’re not in a conservation area, and that the tree in question is not protected, before going ahead.

You’ll also need to factor the stump removal into your budget. This may need to be done as a separate job. Find out more in our Which? Trusted Traders guide to stump removal.

3. Protect tender plants from the cold

If you’ve got tender perennials in your garden, such as geraniums or canna, now’s a good time to bring them inside to protect them against harsh winter weather and frost. Pop them in a greenhouse, conservatory or cold frame to give them the right amount of protection and light.

For larger plants that can’t be moved, such as tree ferns or bananas, wrapping them in fleece or hessian is a good way to insulate them from the cold.

Make sure you regularly remove any damp debris or dead leaves to avoid rotting.

4. Jet wash garden surfaces

Stop paths, patios and driveways becoming a slip hazard in wetter weather by pressure washing to remove moss and algae. Use a gentler pressure on grouting and decking to avoid damaging the surface.

Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that spreads rapidly, stunts the growth of other plants, and is notorious for causing damage to buildings. Our Which? Trusted traders share how best to manage it.